Question
Hey, Nurse Red, if ya got a second would you mind helpin me out here? I was out in the sun for quite some time the other day securing a load and tarping it up. I never thought to put on sun block.(who does?) Anyways, needless to say, I'm burned QUITE BADLY! I'm still able to drive but it hurts. I have thousands of the small blisters ya usually get from sunburn on my back and shoulders. However, I also have three or four REALLY big ones on the top of my shoulders. They're about the size of quarters and are raised about half an inch off my skin. They rub on my shirt and are quite painful. My question is, do I pop these things or should i just grin and bear it? I get a 50/50 response from everyone I ask and I haven't asked a nurse yet so I thought maybe you could help. Thanks
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If it aint a CAT, it must be a dog!....Dogs always chase CATs
Answer
Hi Spanky! I've always got time for questions from my R/T friends!
I am a staunch advocate for letting nature take it's course when dealing with blisters of any type. My position is this. Even while the blister is intact, it is still providing a barrier against bacteria. Your skin is your first line of defense in protecting against microorganisms entering the body. Once that is compromised, it provides an opening for germs to get in. The body is designed to combat minor invasions of bacteria via the immune system. But when you have multiple areas of bacterial invasion the problem can get complicated real fast.
Blisters are the body's reaction to a burn of any type. The body immediately starts sending fluids to the burn area in an effort to cool it. That is why they do not usually appear right away in minor burns, and more rapidly with more extensive burns, whether it be from the sun, direct heat, friction, whatever. The immune system is also sending some white blood cells with that fluid to help battle any bacterial invaders that might be around.
So, in my opinion, leave the blisters alone, let nature take it's course. The skin over the blister is already dead, but it is still providing a barrier. Whenever possible, take your shirt off (stay out of the sun!)for comfort reasons. If you must wear a shirt, opt for a soft, loose, light weight WHITE T-shirt. The reason I stress white is that many dyes used for fabric can actually cause irritation to open skin wounds and set the scene for an infection as well. Beleive it or not, I learned that from my tattoo artist. I was in the process of having a full back piece done and he had me bring a clean white T-shirt to put on afterwards until the skin had begun to heal. The things you learn, huh?
The skin under the blister is actually already starting to heal. It doesn't always look that way because it is moist and appears raw, but it is already generating new skin cells to replace the damaged ones.
I would also suggest that once the blisters pop on their own, you keep an eye on them for signs of infection. I'm not a strong beleiver in lotions or ointments for minor burns either. They tend to attract and hold bacteria near the damaged skin.
Whenever possible, use COOL wet compresses. It will help you feel a little more comfortable. Not ice cold. Extreme cold can damage skin cells as readily as heat. And skin that is already damaged is twice as fragile as undamaged skin.
Remember too, that the sun is strongest this time of year because of it's orbital axis positioning. And if you DO happen to think about that sunblock, it is most effective when applied BEFORE (about 1/2 hour) sun exposure.
Thanks for asking a really good question. This is a topic that generates differing opinions and can have long lasting ramifications if managed incorrectly.
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
Visit us at www.Truck.net/abmsVisit us at
Answer
Thanks Nurse. I know it's been a while since I've replied but I'll keep the advice you gave me in mind. Eventually the blisters did just go away on their own and now my bad burn is a nice golden toasty tan. Drives the women at the lunch counter crazy Anyways, thanks again and I'll remember who to talk to if I get frostbite this winter. Thanks Nurse
Your pal,
Rick "Spanky"
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If it aint a CAT, it must be a dog!....Dogs always chase CATs